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Maiden Lane #4
Thief of Shadows
A MASKED MAN . . . Winter Makepeace lives a double life. By day he's the stoic headmaster of a home for foundling children. But the night brings out a darker side of Winter. As the moon rises, so does the Ghost of St. Giles-protector, judge, fugitive. When the Ghost, beaten and wounded, is rescued by a beautiful aristocrat, Winter has no idea that his two worlds are about to collide.A DANGEROUS WOMAN . . .Lady Isabel Beckinhall enjoys nothing more than a challenge. Yet when she's asked to tutor the Home's dour manager in the ways of society-flirtation, double-entendres, and scandalous liaisons-Isabel can't help wondering why his eyes seem so familiar-and his lips so tempting.A PASSION NEITHER COULD DENYDuring the day Isabel and Winter engage in a battle of wills. At night their passions are revealed . . . But when little girls start disappearing from St. Giles, Winter must avenge them. For that he might have to sacrifice everything-the Home, Isabel . . . and his life.
400 pages, ebook
First published June 26, 2012
338 people are currently reading
8128 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Hoyt
49 books7,138 followersElizabeth Hoyt is a New York Times bestselling author of historical romance. She also writes deliciously fun contemporary romance under the name Julia Harper. Elizabeth lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota with three untrained dogs and one long-suffering husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,401 reviews
October 9, 2020
2.5 stars
How could a character that has a double identity be this boring?
I mean dude you’ve got something interesting going on in your life, a freakin double identity. like all the variables for an interesting character are here, and you’re still that stiff and boring?!
This wasn’t bad. It was just really boring, I didn’t care about the characters, and I was just really uninterested. I’m still going to be reading the rest of the series as the writing is good and I loved the previous one, so maybe this book just wasn’t for me. I still have high hopes for the rest.
3- scandalous desires ~ 4 stars
How could a character that has a double identity be this boring?
I mean dude you’ve got something interesting going on in your life, a freakin double identity. like all the variables for an interesting character are here, and you’re still that stiff and boring?!
This wasn’t bad. It was just really boring, I didn’t care about the characters, and I was just really uninterested. I’m still going to be reading the rest of the series as the writing is good and I loved the previous one, so maybe this book just wasn’t for me. I still have high hopes for the rest.
3- scandalous desires ~ 4 stars
June 13, 2012
Warning: Be prepared – When you start this incredible book, you will not want to stop until the end!
“Promise me this: that you’ll show me only your true face, no matter how ugly you might think it. That’s our true intimacy, not sex, but the ability to be ourselves when we are together.”
From the very first pages, I was held tightly in the grip of this remarkable story. There’s no wading in here to get to the goodies as once again Hoyt works her magic and gives us another winner! This is an unforgettable, passionate romance that ignites the pages with sizzling sensuality, tenderness, and a mystery that I was dying to have solved! And as always, the characters are so real it’s as if you know them personally and the stimulating dialog is amazing! I loved every minute of it!
Winter Makepeace is unlike any hero I’ve read before. There is a uniqueness about him that completely stole my heart. Who would have thought this mild-mannered and somewhat dour headmaster of the children’s foundling home would end up being one of my all-time favorites?! One of his most endearing qualities is the depth of feeling he has for the children living in the desolate slums that surround him. He is totally committed to provide for, protect and defend them. In keeping with his vow, he has erected a shell in order to protect himself from his own desires and needs. Keeping his emotions completely contained makes him appear to be stiff and unapproachable.
By day he goes about the business of running this orphanage efficiently, but at night, dressed in disguise and known as the Ghost of St. Giles, he roams the streets of peril seeking justice for those who have no voice. The beast that he keeps locked inside is released. And I very much liked this side of Winter!
There is a hideous crime being committed against the poor, innocent children of St. Giles. Time is running out and he is desperate. He will risk everything and will not stop until these children are freed and the perpetrators are apprehended!
There are so many aspects to Winter’s character and as I came to know him better, I was completely drawn as a moth is to a flame! In addition to a strong, beautiful athletic male body this sexy as sin man is also compassionate, caring, intelligent, and totally devoted to his vow. At first, I couldn’t understand his self-sacrifice. But soon it becomes completely clear.
There is no doubt the depth of his convictions concerning these children. Their plight pulled on my heartstrings and Winter is a magnificent hero. But when he sets his intense sensual desires on Isabel, I thought the pages would burn! This book has some of the best love scenes I’ve read! Not only are they deliciously hot, but the emotion is incredible!
Lady Isabel Beckinhall is a heroine I adored! She’s thirty two years old, a widow, and member of the Ladies’ Syndicate for the Benefit of the Home for Unfortunate Infants and Foundling Children. This smart, somewhat bold Baroness presents a believable front to her aristocratic peers. Yet, underneath the smiles and witty charm lies a pain that torments her happiness and prevents the kind of future she desires.
Without thought of danger, she rescues the Ghost of St. Giles as he lay injured in the streets. As she tends his wounds, she allows him to keep his identity secret by leaving his mask untouched. But there are sparks here and a strong sexual pull as the remaining parts of his body are uncovered....
And as she continues to undress him to tend to those wounds...
Isabel and Winter are forced to spend time together as his position at the orphanage is challenged. He has agreed to be tutored in the ways of society by the lovely Isabel. As each day progresses and she comes to know this remarkable man she finds herself feeling way too much and wanting things she thought she could never have. He makes her feel alive and the sexual tension between them is combustible! She is determined not to give her heart away and besides, there is something about Winter that reminds her of the Ghost. She begins to wonder if he could be the secret avenger.
Winter tries to stay aloof, not wanting his secrets revealed and knowing there is no place for love in his life. He’s never had a problem before keeping his desires under control. But with Isabel, the need is too great and he soon knows he is fighting a losing battle. As he uncovers the real Isabel he realizes his life can never be the same. His self-control has always been strong, but now she has released the beast in him, and “it adored her.”
There is so much more to this story but I don’t want to give anything away. It is full of surprises and is one of the best I’ve read. If you like a romance that not only gives you scorching hot love scenes but a truly beautiful and tender love story, then this book is for you.
What more could you ask from someone you love, that they know you... they get you, warts and all, and still love everything about you!
Ms. Hoyt gives us a powerful, riveting and poignant love story while touching on the horrors of poverty. The story is captivating and will keep you invested until the very last page. The characters are compelling and the dialog is perfect! I loved every minute and as happy as I was to see this deserving couple get their HEA, I hated for it to end. The epilogue leaves us anxiously waiting for the next installment, Duke of Midnight! And as always, I loved the fairy-tale that is given in stages at the beginning of each chapter.
Thief of Shadows by Elizabeth Hoyt
Book # 4 in the Maiden Lane Series
Read: 6/9/2012
Heat Factor: 5/5 - Sizzling Sensuality; Hot smexy Love Scenes
My Rating: 5/5
My thanks to Netgalley and Grand Central Publishing for providing me with a copy of this eBook in exchange for an honest review.
“Promise me this: that you’ll show me only your true face, no matter how ugly you might think it. That’s our true intimacy, not sex, but the ability to be ourselves when we are together.”
From the very first pages, I was held tightly in the grip of this remarkable story. There’s no wading in here to get to the goodies as once again Hoyt works her magic and gives us another winner! This is an unforgettable, passionate romance that ignites the pages with sizzling sensuality, tenderness, and a mystery that I was dying to have solved! And as always, the characters are so real it’s as if you know them personally and the stimulating dialog is amazing! I loved every minute of it!
Winter Makepeace is unlike any hero I’ve read before. There is a uniqueness about him that completely stole my heart. Who would have thought this mild-mannered and somewhat dour headmaster of the children’s foundling home would end up being one of my all-time favorites?! One of his most endearing qualities is the depth of feeling he has for the children living in the desolate slums that surround him. He is totally committed to provide for, protect and defend them. In keeping with his vow, he has erected a shell in order to protect himself from his own desires and needs. Keeping his emotions completely contained makes him appear to be stiff and unapproachable.
But Isabel knows better and I completely agree with her assessment that “there was a volcano somewhere under that granite shell. And if it ever blew, she wanted to be there to witness the explosion.”
And what a magnificent explosion it was! Riveting in its sensuality, powerful in its sexual draw, heart wrenching as it pulled you into the tenderness of emotion, sweltering in the burning heat of a need that could no longer be denied. His utter seductiveness is palpable!
By day he goes about the business of running this orphanage efficiently, but at night, dressed in disguise and known as the Ghost of St. Giles, he roams the streets of peril seeking justice for those who have no voice. The beast that he keeps locked inside is released. And I very much liked this side of Winter!
There is a hideous crime being committed against the poor, innocent children of St. Giles. Time is running out and he is desperate. He will risk everything and will not stop until these children are freed and the perpetrators are apprehended!
There are so many aspects to Winter’s character and as I came to know him better, I was completely drawn as a moth is to a flame! In addition to a strong, beautiful athletic male body this sexy as sin man is also compassionate, caring, intelligent, and totally devoted to his vow. At first, I couldn’t understand his self-sacrifice. But soon it becomes completely clear.
… “I live and work in the bleakest part of London, my lady. Here people beg steal, and prostitute themselves, trying to obtain the most basic human needs: food, water, shelter, and clothing. They have no time to lift their heads up from their toil, no time to live as human beings, graced with God’s gifts of laughter and love....That is what St. Giles is. That is what I live in.”
...I want them to care just as much about a poor child as they do a gentleman. I want them to make sure every child is fed and clothed and housed. I want them to see that London cannot continue this way with people dying in the gutter.”
There is no doubt the depth of his convictions concerning these children. Their plight pulled on my heartstrings and Winter is a magnificent hero. But when he sets his intense sensual desires on Isabel, I thought the pages would burn! This book has some of the best love scenes I’ve read! Not only are they deliciously hot, but the emotion is incredible!
Lady Isabel Beckinhall is a heroine I adored! She’s thirty two years old, a widow, and member of the Ladies’ Syndicate for the Benefit of the Home for Unfortunate Infants and Foundling Children. This smart, somewhat bold Baroness presents a believable front to her aristocratic peers. Yet, underneath the smiles and witty charm lies a pain that torments her happiness and prevents the kind of future she desires.
Without thought of danger, she rescues the Ghost of St. Giles as he lay injured in the streets. As she tends his wounds, she allows him to keep his identity secret by leaving his mask untouched. But there are sparks here and a strong sexual pull as the remaining parts of his body are uncovered....
Isabel glanced up for a moment and froze. His chest was delineated with lean muscles, his nipples brown against his pale skin, with black curling hair spreading between. His belly was hard and ridged, his navel entirely obscured by that same black, curling hair.
She blinked. She had seen a man-men, actually- naked, true, but Edmund had been in his sixth decade when he’d died and had certainly never looked like this.
And as she continues to undress him to tend to those wounds...
Isabel swallowed and untied the garment, a little surprised by the tremble of her fingers, and drew them down his legs. His genitals were revealed, his cock thick and long, even at rest, his bollocks heavy. “Well,” Mrs. Butterman said, “he certainly seems healthy enough there.”
Isabel and Winter are forced to spend time together as his position at the orphanage is challenged. He has agreed to be tutored in the ways of society by the lovely Isabel. As each day progresses and she comes to know this remarkable man she finds herself feeling way too much and wanting things she thought she could never have. He makes her feel alive and the sexual tension between them is combustible! She is determined not to give her heart away and besides, there is something about Winter that reminds her of the Ghost. She begins to wonder if he could be the secret avenger.
Winter tries to stay aloof, not wanting his secrets revealed and knowing there is no place for love in his life. He’s never had a problem before keeping his desires under control. But with Isabel, the need is too great and he soon knows he is fighting a losing battle. As he uncovers the real Isabel he realizes his life can never be the same. His self-control has always been strong, but now she has released the beast in him, and “it adored her.”
There is so much more to this story but I don’t want to give anything away. It is full of surprises and is one of the best I’ve read. If you like a romance that not only gives you scorching hot love scenes but a truly beautiful and tender love story, then this book is for you.
“Wear your social mask at your balls and parties and when you visit your friends out there, but when we are alone, just the two of us in here, promise me this: that you’ll show me only your true face, no matter how ugly you might think it. That’s our true intimacy, not sex, but the ability to be ourselves when we are together.”
What more could you ask from someone you love, that they know you... they get you, warts and all, and still love everything about you!
Ms. Hoyt gives us a powerful, riveting and poignant love story while touching on the horrors of poverty. The story is captivating and will keep you invested until the very last page. The characters are compelling and the dialog is perfect! I loved every minute and as happy as I was to see this deserving couple get their HEA, I hated for it to end. The epilogue leaves us anxiously waiting for the next installment, Duke of Midnight! And as always, I loved the fairy-tale that is given in stages at the beginning of each chapter.
Thief of Shadows by Elizabeth Hoyt
Book # 4 in the Maiden Lane Series
Read: 6/9/2012
Heat Factor: 5/5 - Sizzling Sensuality; Hot smexy Love Scenes
My Rating: 5/5
My thanks to Netgalley and Grand Central Publishing for providing me with a copy of this eBook in exchange for an honest review.
October 19, 2023
Historical Spider-Man with a virgin hero? Yes please!
Winter Makepeace is the perfect hero, you can’t change my mind.
This book was delicious. My absolute favourite of this series, even more than the vicious pirate book and I love pirates. An earnest, stodgy, younger virgin hero, who fights crime under the cover of darkness, rescues children and runs an orphanage during the day. Too perfect.
Pair him with an experienced, older heroine who loves to instruct, add a class difference and lots of action with a great intrigue plot and you have magic!
Also, after four books, it needs to be said, I really appreciate Hoyt’s approach to writing her female characters. They always have a healthy view of sex, and the non-virgins have had pleasurable sexual pasts before the hero. Huzzah to that!!
Winter Makepeace is the perfect hero, you can’t change my mind.
This book was delicious. My absolute favourite of this series, even more than the vicious pirate book and I love pirates. An earnest, stodgy, younger virgin hero, who fights crime under the cover of darkness, rescues children and runs an orphanage during the day. Too perfect.
Pair him with an experienced, older heroine who loves to instruct, add a class difference and lots of action with a great intrigue plot and you have magic!
Also, after four books, it needs to be said, I really appreciate Hoyt’s approach to writing her female characters. They always have a healthy view of sex, and the non-virgins have had pleasurable sexual pasts before the hero. Huzzah to that!!
July 19, 2016
“I can survive the loss of something I’ve never had. I cannot survive losing you.”
Honestly, I didn't expect much from this book, probably because I wasn't impressed with Lady Isabel Beckinhall since I met her in the previous one, Scandalous Desires. Besides, I’d never felt the aura of ‘hero’ radiating from Winter Makepeace, and I thought he was a bit boring. Oh boy was I wrong! I must admit, I almost skipped this book and if I had really done that, I would never have known how amazing he was! Now I’m so glad I picked up this one. It was so good and enjoyable, so much so that I could hardly put it down.
Winter is unlike any hero I’ve ever read before. He’s a complex character, but there is something endearing and mysterious about him that totally melted my heart. The better I knew him, the more he grew on me. Oh, Anyway, he’s a smart and quick learner. I loved how he could be so persistent and his determination to win Isabel over was truly touching. I always have a thing for the heroes who never give up on the heroines, and Winter is no exception. He’s strong, selfless, kind, and caring. *Swoon*
“I’ll never look at you in any way but complete admiration.” He stroked her hair soothingly. “You will never be a millstone about my neck. Rather you’re the sunshine that brightens my day.” He swallowed. “Don’t you see? You brought me into the daylight. You’ve embraced parts of me that I was never able to let see light. Don’t make me retreat again into the night.” –Winter Makepeace.
I couldn’t connect with Isabel’s character in the first quarter of the book, but as I got further into the story, I found myself gradually warming up to her. To the outer world, she’s a high-born, sophisticated lady. She looks very happy on the outside, but hopelessly miserable on the inside. And it was Winter, the only man who could see the real her, behind the social mask. And it was very sad that she thought she was undeserving of his love because .
“Wear your social mask at your balls and parties and when you visit your friends out there, but when we are alone, just the two of us in here, promise me this: that you’ll show me only your true face, no matter how ugly you might think it. That’s our true intimacy, not sex, but the ability to be ourselves when we are together.” –Winter Makepeace.
In this book, both suspense and romantic part were somewhat dark and intense. The story moved along at the perfect pace, neither rushed nor dragged, and it kept me engaged the whole way through. Their chemistry seemed so natural, yet sizzling. I was surprised at how incredibly hot their sexy times were.
Although this book wasn't my most favorite from the series, it was still a very pleasant read. HR fans shouldn’t miss this one.
Onto the next book!
Honestly, I didn't expect much from this book, probably because I wasn't impressed with Lady Isabel Beckinhall since I met her in the previous one, Scandalous Desires. Besides, I’d never felt the aura of ‘hero’ radiating from Winter Makepeace, and I thought he was a bit boring. Oh boy was I wrong! I must admit, I almost skipped this book and if I had really done that, I would never have known how amazing he was! Now I’m so glad I picked up this one. It was so good and enjoyable, so much so that I could hardly put it down.
Winter is unlike any hero I’ve ever read before. He’s a complex character, but there is something endearing and mysterious about him that totally melted my heart. The better I knew him, the more he grew on me. Oh, Anyway, he’s a smart and quick learner. I loved how he could be so persistent and his determination to win Isabel over was truly touching. I always have a thing for the heroes who never give up on the heroines, and Winter is no exception. He’s strong, selfless, kind, and caring. *Swoon*
“I’ll never look at you in any way but complete admiration.” He stroked her hair soothingly. “You will never be a millstone about my neck. Rather you’re the sunshine that brightens my day.” He swallowed. “Don’t you see? You brought me into the daylight. You’ve embraced parts of me that I was never able to let see light. Don’t make me retreat again into the night.” –Winter Makepeace.
I couldn’t connect with Isabel’s character in the first quarter of the book, but as I got further into the story, I found myself gradually warming up to her. To the outer world, she’s a high-born, sophisticated lady. She looks very happy on the outside, but hopelessly miserable on the inside. And it was Winter, the only man who could see the real her, behind the social mask. And it was very sad that she thought she was undeserving of his love because .
“Wear your social mask at your balls and parties and when you visit your friends out there, but when we are alone, just the two of us in here, promise me this: that you’ll show me only your true face, no matter how ugly you might think it. That’s our true intimacy, not sex, but the ability to be ourselves when we are together.” –Winter Makepeace.
In this book, both suspense and romantic part were somewhat dark and intense. The story moved along at the perfect pace, neither rushed nor dragged, and it kept me engaged the whole way through. Their chemistry seemed so natural, yet sizzling. I was surprised at how incredibly hot their sexy times were.
Although this book wasn't my most favorite from the series, it was still a very pleasant read. HR fans shouldn’t miss this one.
Onto the next book!
January 17, 2018
Every one of my reviewer friends are all a-twitter after Winter Makepeace, the hero in this book. He is a swashbuckling man who dons the mask of a simple school teacher by day. By night, he is fighting crime with super-hero powers. He's like a ye old Superman acting like ye old Clark Kent.
But, luckily, our ye old Lois Lane, aka Isabel, isn't as easily fooled by a simple pair of glasses and sees through Winter's facade pretty quickly. I liked her the most just for that. It's ridiculous how the average superhero girlfriend is so easily fooled. You could dress my husband in a full-on horse costume - the ass part, and I would figure out it was him in about 5 seconds flat. I know that ass.
Best part of the Green Lantern movie. Okay, only good part of the Green Lantern movie.
I did like both of these characters, but I didn't like this book quite as much as the last one. It got a little too cheesy and forced for me a couple of times. Like the sword fight on the balcony of the opera house, and the very contrived reason that Winter was in danger of losing his job. What? Like aristocratic men are lining up at the door to get the honor of running an orphanage? Yeah, I'm buying that. I'm also buying a nice beach house in Kansas. It was a great deal.
I LOVE an open floor plan!
But, in spite of those things, I still liked the book. There is a lot going on in the world that is promising for the future of the series. I can't wait to find out more about Lord d'Arque. Just the fact that his name is pronounced Lord Dark works for me. See, that's the thing, I prefer Loki to Superman. I want the sinner, not the saint. The thing I liked best about Winter is that he saved my sexy pirate from hanging in the last book. For that, I am grateful. But, all of you fan-girls are welcome to him. He's not going to be put onto my book-boyfriend list.
But, luckily, our ye old Lois Lane, aka Isabel, isn't as easily fooled by a simple pair of glasses and sees through Winter's facade pretty quickly. I liked her the most just for that. It's ridiculous how the average superhero girlfriend is so easily fooled. You could dress my husband in a full-on horse costume - the ass part, and I would figure out it was him in about 5 seconds flat. I know that ass.
Best part of the Green Lantern movie. Okay, only good part of the Green Lantern movie.
I did like both of these characters, but I didn't like this book quite as much as the last one. It got a little too cheesy and forced for me a couple of times. Like the sword fight on the balcony of the opera house, and the very contrived reason that Winter was in danger of losing his job. What? Like aristocratic men are lining up at the door to get the honor of running an orphanage? Yeah, I'm buying that. I'm also buying a nice beach house in Kansas. It was a great deal.
I LOVE an open floor plan!
But, in spite of those things, I still liked the book. There is a lot going on in the world that is promising for the future of the series. I can't wait to find out more about Lord d'Arque. Just the fact that his name is pronounced Lord Dark works for me. See, that's the thing, I prefer Loki to Superman. I want the sinner, not the saint. The thing I liked best about Winter is that he saved my sexy pirate from hanging in the last book. For that, I am grateful. But, all of you fan-girls are welcome to him. He's not going to be put onto my book-boyfriend list.
November 22, 2021
Reread for 2021 Favorites.
.
.
This was fucking perfection and I cannot hear anything else.
Freaking Virgin Batman with a dominant side. He is patience, stern and sexy as hell.
I am stunned.
TW: infertility
.
.
This was fucking perfection and I cannot hear anything else.
Freaking Virgin Batman with a dominant side. He is patience, stern and sexy as hell.
I am stunned.
TW: infertility
June 28, 2012
REVIEW COMPLETED, EDITED JUNE 28th, 2012
“Every gentleman you meet must voice his admiration, his wish to make love to you. And those are only the ones who may voice such thoughts. All about you are men who cannot speak their admiration, who must remain mute from lack of social standing or fear of offending you. Only their thoughts light the air about you, following you like a trail of perfume, heady but invisible.”
Baroness Isabel Beckinhall's carriage had come to a standstill in the worst part of London--the streets of St. Giles. She is in St. Giles because she'd volunteered to represent the Ladies' Syndicate for the Benefit of the Home for Unfortunate Infants and Foundling Children at the final inspection of the new home. The carriage had come to a standstill because of a wounded, not-yet-dead man. This man is dressed as a harlequin. It's the notorious Ghost of St. Giles. Isabel's footmen put him in her carriage and when they arrive at home, she's tending to his wounds. Unfortunately, the next morning he's gone without revealing his identity.
Since the new home's grand opening, Lady Penelope--a member of the Ladies' Syndicate--would like to replace Winter Makepeace as the home's manager. Winter is a perfectly fine manager, but he'd be a disaster in society. They need someone who can converse with a lady without offering insults. Someone who can rub shoulders with dukes and earls. Finally, the ladies agree that someone should teach Winter good manners.
"What we need is a lady who is no longer a maiden. A lady with a full understanding of polite society and its intricacies. A lady with enough self-possession to polish Mr. Makepeace into the diamond we all know he is." Oh, dear.
Oh, yes, my dear. Isabel you're in for a surprise...
Thief of Shadows is a very good, entertaining, and enjoyable read, however, I have to admit that I’m not over the moon. The plot, the heroine, and the hero don’t stand a chance against Scandalous Desires, Silence, and my Charming Mickey. Yes, Mickey totally blew me away! <3 <3 <3 Honestly, I’m a little bit disappointed since I expected another five-star read. Sadly, this was not going to happen.
Beyond doubt Thief of Shadows features interesting and complex characters, witty and richly-textured dialogue and a delightful love story. I liked their little game of cat-and-mouse and Isabel tutoring the reluctant and rather ‘unwilling’ Winter was entertaining to witness. From time to time these two gave one another a piece of their minds, that's for sure. Sometimes I really had to smile. I appreciated the steam factor as well. That said, I wouldn’t have expected anything less from this author because one thing’s for sure: when it comes to sex/love scenes, then Ms. Hoyt delivers in spades! I really adore the author’s ability to create so much intimacy and heat during a love scene. Not every author can do that. Kudos, Ms. Hoyt! Winter is a virgin. And yet he is a very quick study and boy, does the man talk…really sexy I’d say. I loved the way Isabel guided him and showed him what she liked and how he should touch her. On the one hand, it was sweet and on the other hand, it was sensual and erotic. Although Winter is sexually inexperienced, he is open-minded and on top of that, he is quite adventurous. Moreover, it was interesting to see how he took over the reins, and I felt that Isabel was quite a bit surprised by his demeanor. Well done, Winter.
Without a doubt Winter is a honorable, devoted, and self-sacrificing man. He cares for those he loves.
“I want them to care just as much about a poor child as they do a gentleman. I want them to make sure every child is fed and clothed and housed. I want them to see that London cannot continue this way with people dying in the gutter.”
What I disliked
At a certain point of the story I just felt that I’ve had enough of the Ghost of St. Giles. The ever-present masquerade was a bit tedious. I’d have preferred to see more relationship development between these two instead of Winter hopping over the rooftops all.The.Time. I didn’t appreciate it either when Isabel insulted Winter. Admittedly, she was hiding a painful secret but I found it needless to lash out the way she did. It was a low blow. Overall, her character was not very lovable even though she certainly had her moments. I don’t like it, though, when a heroine is acting snobbishly.
What I found kind of weird
Winter’s physical appearance in Scandalous Desires was very different. He was described as very thin and unhealthy looking. Uh, yeah, wonders never cease! *cough*
Final verdict
This is a must read for every addict of the Maiden Lane series and I hope that you'll be enjoying Winter's story, too. I'm already looking forward to reading Lord of Darkness.
“I’ll never look at you in any way but complete admiration.”
“Every gentleman you meet must voice his admiration, his wish to make love to you. And those are only the ones who may voice such thoughts. All about you are men who cannot speak their admiration, who must remain mute from lack of social standing or fear of offending you. Only their thoughts light the air about you, following you like a trail of perfume, heady but invisible.”
Baroness Isabel Beckinhall's carriage had come to a standstill in the worst part of London--the streets of St. Giles. She is in St. Giles because she'd volunteered to represent the Ladies' Syndicate for the Benefit of the Home for Unfortunate Infants and Foundling Children at the final inspection of the new home. The carriage had come to a standstill because of a wounded, not-yet-dead man. This man is dressed as a harlequin. It's the notorious Ghost of St. Giles. Isabel's footmen put him in her carriage and when they arrive at home, she's tending to his wounds. Unfortunately, the next morning he's gone without revealing his identity.
Since the new home's grand opening, Lady Penelope--a member of the Ladies' Syndicate--would like to replace Winter Makepeace as the home's manager. Winter is a perfectly fine manager, but he'd be a disaster in society. They need someone who can converse with a lady without offering insults. Someone who can rub shoulders with dukes and earls. Finally, the ladies agree that someone should teach Winter good manners.
"What we need is a lady who is no longer a maiden. A lady with a full understanding of polite society and its intricacies. A lady with enough self-possession to polish Mr. Makepeace into the diamond we all know he is." Oh, dear.
Oh, yes, my dear. Isabel you're in for a surprise...
Thief of Shadows is a very good, entertaining, and enjoyable read, however, I have to admit that I’m not over the moon. The plot, the heroine, and the hero don’t stand a chance against Scandalous Desires, Silence, and my Charming Mickey. Yes, Mickey totally blew me away! <3 <3 <3 Honestly, I’m a little bit disappointed since I expected another five-star read. Sadly, this was not going to happen.
Beyond doubt Thief of Shadows features interesting and complex characters, witty and richly-textured dialogue and a delightful love story. I liked their little game of cat-and-mouse and Isabel tutoring the reluctant and rather ‘unwilling’ Winter was entertaining to witness. From time to time these two gave one another a piece of their minds, that's for sure. Sometimes I really had to smile. I appreciated the steam factor as well. That said, I wouldn’t have expected anything less from this author because one thing’s for sure: when it comes to sex/love scenes, then Ms. Hoyt delivers in spades! I really adore the author’s ability to create so much intimacy and heat during a love scene. Not every author can do that. Kudos, Ms. Hoyt! Winter is a virgin. And yet he is a very quick study and boy, does the man talk…really sexy I’d say. I loved the way Isabel guided him and showed him what she liked and how he should touch her. On the one hand, it was sweet and on the other hand, it was sensual and erotic. Although Winter is sexually inexperienced, he is open-minded and on top of that, he is quite adventurous. Moreover, it was interesting to see how he took over the reins, and I felt that Isabel was quite a bit surprised by his demeanor. Well done, Winter.
Without a doubt Winter is a honorable, devoted, and self-sacrificing man. He cares for those he loves.
“I want them to care just as much about a poor child as they do a gentleman. I want them to make sure every child is fed and clothed and housed. I want them to see that London cannot continue this way with people dying in the gutter.”
What I disliked
At a certain point of the story I just felt that I’ve had enough of the Ghost of St. Giles. The ever-present masquerade was a bit tedious. I’d have preferred to see more relationship development between these two instead of Winter hopping over the rooftops all.The.Time. I didn’t appreciate it either when Isabel insulted Winter. Admittedly, she was hiding a painful secret but I found it needless to lash out the way she did. It was a low blow. Overall, her character was not very lovable even though she certainly had her moments. I don’t like it, though, when a heroine is acting snobbishly.
What I found kind of weird
Winter’s physical appearance in Scandalous Desires was very different. He was described as very thin and unhealthy looking. Uh, yeah, wonders never cease! *cough*
Final verdict
This is a must read for every addict of the Maiden Lane series and I hope that you'll be enjoying Winter's story, too. I'm already looking forward to reading Lord of Darkness.
“I’ll never look at you in any way but complete admiration.”
June 18, 2018
This is definitely my fav installment in the Maiden Lane series. I have a thing for self-denying males who only give themselves to the woman they love. Quite unbelievable, this is true, but that's why we read romance! To fantasize about the ideal man rather than live with the mundane reality. And my ideal has always been a devoted man who exerts powerful self-control on his baser instincts but can't resist the woman he's destined to fall in love with.
(Likely this is also why I'm so obsessed with everything written by Aja James.)
Anyway, this is a long way of saying, the Hero of this book, Winter, definitely checked this box for me.
I like the heroine too. An experienced woman for once (not that she's a slut), but she's older, more mature, certainly had more lovers (tho not many), who knows what she wants and isn't afraid to (literally) grab it.
I like that assertiveness in a woman. And it's rare in historical romances (and romance in general). So kudos for that too.
I like the interaction between the two characters, the emotional connection in the love scenes. All around great read, highly recommend!
(Likely this is also why I'm so obsessed with everything written by Aja James.)
Anyway, this is a long way of saying, the Hero of this book, Winter, definitely checked this box for me.
I like the heroine too. An experienced woman for once (not that she's a slut), but she's older, more mature, certainly had more lovers (tho not many), who knows what she wants and isn't afraid to (literally) grab it.
I like that assertiveness in a woman. And it's rare in historical romances (and romance in general). So kudos for that too.
I like the interaction between the two characters, the emotional connection in the love scenes. All around great read, highly recommend!
December 18, 2016
*** 4.69 ***
A buddy read with the Romance Readers at the MacHalos:):):) Yes, we do exist!
I would have liked to write a brilliant review about this book, since it made me all romantic and put me in a loving and worm mood, but I just don't have it in me today.... It has nothing to do with the book! It was wonderful! Winter made me fall in love with him from the get go and Lady Isabel Beckinhall, the lightly older and more experienced woman, was everything a strong but still sensitive lady should be. I kind of envied Winter, who has not hmmm.... known a woman in a more literal sense, who gets to hit the ground running with such a seductive, smart, and sensuous lover:) The lucky dog! But he is also a bit blind to what is in front of him, since he has dedicated all of his life to the orphanage and seeking justice for those no one cares to find justice for with almost priestly fervor! Or more accurately, monks dedication? One or the other, depends on the religion I guess:)
"...“But you must be awash in a sea of compliments, my lady. Every gentleman you meet must voice his admiration, his wish to make love to you. And those are only the ones who may voice such thoughts. All about you are men who cannot speak their admiration, who must remain mute from lack of social standing or fear of offending you. Only their thoughts light the air about you, following you like a trail of perfume, heady but invisible. (Winter Makepeace)”..."
The kids were adorable and the ladies who have found it in their hearts to give something of theirs to those less fortunate, one by one find love, although not by taking the easiest path to it, usually going through quite a bit of pain and disillusionment, before being settled with their own Happily Ever After... The closer to real life, I say...
If you want to see some really cool and propper reviews for this book, please refer to my friends Shelley's Review, our partner in crime Joanita's Review, and finally the always gracious Alp's Review :):):) Those ladies know what they are talking about!!
I would recommend this book and series to all romance and historical romance fans! It is well written and very easy to read! Also, it makes your heart full of little fluffy and sunny thoughts:)
Wish all of you Happy Reading and much love, in the books and in real life!!!
A buddy read with the Romance Readers at the MacHalos:):):) Yes, we do exist!
I would have liked to write a brilliant review about this book, since it made me all romantic and put me in a loving and worm mood, but I just don't have it in me today.... It has nothing to do with the book! It was wonderful! Winter made me fall in love with him from the get go and Lady Isabel Beckinhall, the lightly older and more experienced woman, was everything a strong but still sensitive lady should be. I kind of envied Winter, who has not hmmm.... known a woman in a more literal sense, who gets to hit the ground running with such a seductive, smart, and sensuous lover:) The lucky dog! But he is also a bit blind to what is in front of him, since he has dedicated all of his life to the orphanage and seeking justice for those no one cares to find justice for with almost priestly fervor! Or more accurately, monks dedication? One or the other, depends on the religion I guess:)
"...“But you must be awash in a sea of compliments, my lady. Every gentleman you meet must voice his admiration, his wish to make love to you. And those are only the ones who may voice such thoughts. All about you are men who cannot speak their admiration, who must remain mute from lack of social standing or fear of offending you. Only their thoughts light the air about you, following you like a trail of perfume, heady but invisible. (Winter Makepeace)”..."
The kids were adorable and the ladies who have found it in their hearts to give something of theirs to those less fortunate, one by one find love, although not by taking the easiest path to it, usually going through quite a bit of pain and disillusionment, before being settled with their own Happily Ever After... The closer to real life, I say...
If you want to see some really cool and propper reviews for this book, please refer to my friends Shelley's Review, our partner in crime Joanita's Review, and finally the always gracious Alp's Review :):):) Those ladies know what they are talking about!!
I would recommend this book and series to all romance and historical romance fans! It is well written and very easy to read! Also, it makes your heart full of little fluffy and sunny thoughts:)
Wish all of you Happy Reading and much love, in the books and in real life!!!
December 10, 2016
3.5 stars
"Has anyone cherished you just for yourself?"
I wasn't highly anticipating this couple but they showed me and had some great heat between them. Our hero Winter is the epitome of still waters run deep. His and Isabel's back and forth, especially in regards to their sexual innuendos, had some spine tingling moments. I posted my favorite secondary characters of 2016 just this afternoon but let me add a late addition, Joseph Tinbox. Gah, I NEED his and Peach's story (this pairing has to happen).
"Has anyone cherished you just for yourself?"
I wasn't highly anticipating this couple but they showed me and had some great heat between them. Our hero Winter is the epitome of still waters run deep. His and Isabel's back and forth, especially in regards to their sexual innuendos, had some spine tingling moments. I posted my favorite secondary characters of 2016 just this afternoon but let me add a late addition, Joseph Tinbox. Gah, I NEED his and Peach's story (this pairing has to happen).
April 3, 2021
Ok, ok, this is my new favorite in the series. The virgin hero gives off big Batman energy.
CW: Miscarriage, infertility
CW: Miscarriage, infertility
February 26, 2021
4.5*
Reseña completa: https://masromance.blogspot.com/2021/...
Qué enganche con esta novela. Qué protagonistas! Winter es un amor ♥, y gracias y lo demuestra con cada frase y cada gesto.
Creo que la autora juega muy bien con el tema de su doble identidad y he saltado aplaudiendo con cierta escena en la que «Winter» significa tantas cosas!!!!
Un protagonista con doble vida al que le hemos cogido cariño con cada entrega y que cumple, y supera, las expectativas frente a una mujer también escondida tras una máscara y a la que él irá descubriendo.
Pese a que estamos ante una novela con ciertas aventuras, como toda la serie. Creo que el desarrollo de los protagonistas, su evolución, esos matices y, sobre todo, su relación, es lo mejor. He disfrutado con cada diálogo, cada lucha, cada coqueteo y cada escena tierna
Una lectura muy recomenble, Lástima que solo esté en inglés y que no sea una autora fácil
Reseña completa: https://masromance.blogspot.com/2021/...
Qué enganche con esta novela. Qué protagonistas! Winter es un amor ♥, y gracias y lo demuestra con cada frase y cada gesto.
Creo que la autora juega muy bien con el tema de su doble identidad y he saltado aplaudiendo con cierta escena en la que «Winter» significa tantas cosas!!!!
Un protagonista con doble vida al que le hemos cogido cariño con cada entrega y que cumple, y supera, las expectativas frente a una mujer también escondida tras una máscara y a la que él irá descubriendo.
Pese a que estamos ante una novela con ciertas aventuras, como toda la serie. Creo que el desarrollo de los protagonistas, su evolución, esos matices y, sobre todo, su relación, es lo mejor. He disfrutado con cada diálogo, cada lucha, cada coqueteo y cada escena tierna
Una lectura muy recomenble, Lástima que solo esté en inglés y que no sea una autora fácil
February 27, 2025
Note: Some of my goodreads shelves can be spoilers
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖 (I got bored and had to tell myself to pick it back up repeatedly)
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥+
Humor: A bit
Perspective: Third person from the hero and heroine and some minor side characters
When mains are first on page together:
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after
Epilogue: Yes, but it’s about Godric St. John and from his perspective (the hero of the next book)
Format: listened to audiobook from the library (Hoopla)
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order?
Yes. This series builds with each book, with the Ghost of St. Giles being a character throughout as well as Winter having some page time in prior books.
Basic plot:
Winter lives a double life as the Ghost of St. Giles. His secret is in jeopardy after Isabel helps save the Ghost, but also becomes one of the orphanages benefactor...
Give this a try if you want:
- Georgian time period (1738)
- London setting
- class differences
- working class hero – he oversees an orphanage
- lessons for the hero on etiquette
- virgin hero
- intertwining series with plenty of character cross over and side characters
- higher steam - 6ish full scenes (At least...I could have missed some since I waited like 2 months before writing my review)
Ages:
- I have notes that say ‘hero is not yet 30’ and ‘hero is 26’ so I have no idea if one of those was supposed to be the heroine but either way I would say they are both late 20s ish
First line:
The body in the road was the absolute cap to the day.
My thoughts:
I know so many of you loved this book and I am SO SAD I didn’t love it.
It didn’t work for me because I felt bored. I kept having to tell myself to pick it up. I didn’t really feel anything about anyone in this story. And I think there are a few reasons for this, just personal stuff with me and not the story.
First of all, I don’t think Ashford McNaab is the narrator for me. I have liked her but...I think she doesn’t get emotional enough for me? I’m not sure. But I think I will try reading the next book because I’m worried I’m starting to just have a ‘thing’ with her narration and I don’t want to risk it.
Secondly, this series does some things that I just don’t love as a romance reader. Most don’t care, but I really dislike getting a bunch of different perspectives other than the main couple. I want only focus on the mains, it’s just what I like. And this series isn’t really like that. It has stories starting all over for future books, it has POV in other characters that will be met later in the series. It keeps pulling me from the main couple and making my interest wane.
Thirdly, I was at the time of reading this, also well into Elisa Braden’s Rescued from Ruin series. Braden’s series also does a bit of the starting future books in a story and giving some other POVs in it so maybe I just needed to chose only one series at a time that does that or I start to get too twitchy.
I also think Hoyt’s books are just unnecessarily long. This is totally because I am in my grumpy, can’t focus, want short books phase and not her actual writing...but I can’t help but think how so much could have been cut with the same feelings within.
Also, I’m not the biggest fan of children being big parts in the story right now because I homeschool my kids and they are up my butt the entire day long and the last thing I want to read about is more kids. So taking place at an orphanage there’s a decent amount of child interaction.
Finally, I have been looking forward to this book for years and years and years. I thought he would be my favorite hero and it would be my favorite of the series and perhaps the expectations just did me in.
Perhaps I will pick it up again down the road and read it and see if my feelings change!
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖 (I got bored and had to tell myself to pick it back up repeatedly)
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥+
Humor: A bit
Perspective: Third person from the hero and heroine and some minor side characters
When mains are first on page together:
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after
Epilogue: Yes, but it’s about Godric St. John and from his perspective (the hero of the next book)
Format: listened to audiobook from the library (Hoopla)
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order?
Yes. This series builds with each book, with the Ghost of St. Giles being a character throughout as well as Winter having some page time in prior books.
Basic plot:
Winter lives a double life as the Ghost of St. Giles. His secret is in jeopardy after Isabel helps save the Ghost, but also becomes one of the orphanages benefactor...
Give this a try if you want:
- Georgian time period (1738)
- London setting
- class differences
- working class hero – he oversees an orphanage
- lessons for the hero on etiquette
- virgin hero
- intertwining series with plenty of character cross over and side characters
- higher steam - 6ish full scenes (At least...I could have missed some since I waited like 2 months before writing my review)
Ages:
- I have notes that say ‘hero is not yet 30’ and ‘hero is 26’ so I have no idea if one of those was supposed to be the heroine but either way I would say they are both late 20s ish
First line:
The body in the road was the absolute cap to the day.
My thoughts:
I know so many of you loved this book and I am SO SAD I didn’t love it.
It didn’t work for me because I felt bored. I kept having to tell myself to pick it up. I didn’t really feel anything about anyone in this story. And I think there are a few reasons for this, just personal stuff with me and not the story.
First of all, I don’t think Ashford McNaab is the narrator for me. I have liked her but...I think she doesn’t get emotional enough for me? I’m not sure. But I think I will try reading the next book because I’m worried I’m starting to just have a ‘thing’ with her narration and I don’t want to risk it.
Secondly, this series does some things that I just don’t love as a romance reader. Most don’t care, but I really dislike getting a bunch of different perspectives other than the main couple. I want only focus on the mains, it’s just what I like. And this series isn’t really like that. It has stories starting all over for future books, it has POV in other characters that will be met later in the series. It keeps pulling me from the main couple and making my interest wane.
Thirdly, I was at the time of reading this, also well into Elisa Braden’s Rescued from Ruin series. Braden’s series also does a bit of the starting future books in a story and giving some other POVs in it so maybe I just needed to chose only one series at a time that does that or I start to get too twitchy.
I also think Hoyt’s books are just unnecessarily long. This is totally because I am in my grumpy, can’t focus, want short books phase and not her actual writing...but I can’t help but think how so much could have been cut with the same feelings within.
Also, I’m not the biggest fan of children being big parts in the story right now because I homeschool my kids and they are up my butt the entire day long and the last thing I want to read about is more kids. So taking place at an orphanage there’s a decent amount of child interaction.
Finally, I have been looking forward to this book for years and years and years. I thought he would be my favorite hero and it would be my favorite of the series and perhaps the expectations just did me in.
Perhaps I will pick it up again down the road and read it and see if my feelings change!
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
August 3, 2012
Harlequin Mask
★★★★½ (This is a review of the audiobook.) Oh, I love the Maiden Lane series and this one is so well narrated by Ashford MacNab, who also does the rest of the series; thus, it is all the more pleasurable. Her accents and tones were very well done, making them discernible individual characters.
As far as the story, it is hard to follow on the heels of “Charming” Mickey O’Connor and Widowed Silence Hollingbrook, but Ms. Hoyt pulls off the telling of the sainted Winter Makepeace and willful Lady Isabel Beckinhall’s love story.
Winter, long suspected by many of being the Ghost of St. Giles, has to finally face his ultimate dilemma: lust and desire for the beautiful and alluring Isabel, or remain focused to his cause. Will he give up his monk-like existence, his protective nature toward his orphans, his night-time rescues? Will she want him to? After all, she has secret yearnings of her own. Will she accept ?
Of course, when I got to the part where they were trying to , I was irately saying to myself: “Why? Why? Why are Temperance and Hero out of town now?!?”
This author is pairing the working class with the aristocracy in her progression of novels, which have a delishiously Gothic feel to them; yet, each couple is unique. It is always a sign of a great series, by a talented writer (as opposed to a lucky one), if she can make you fall for heroes who are so completely opposite of one another, as are Lazarus Huntington, Lord Caire, from Wicked Intentions; or gin-selling Griffin Remmington, Lord Reading, certainly a less than ideal hero at the beginning of Notorious Pleasures; then to ruthlessly “Charming” Micky from Scandalous Desires; and on through to pious avenger Winter in this one! “Bravo!”
Oh...and, by the way, the love scenes are H.O.T.!
Maiden Lane Cast of Characters - Elizabeth Holt's website
Mask from http://stores.venicebuysmasks.com/
★★★★½ (This is a review of the audiobook.) Oh, I love the Maiden Lane series and this one is so well narrated by Ashford MacNab, who also does the rest of the series; thus, it is all the more pleasurable. Her accents and tones were very well done, making them discernible individual characters.
As far as the story, it is hard to follow on the heels of “Charming” Mickey O’Connor and Widowed Silence Hollingbrook, but Ms. Hoyt pulls off the telling of the sainted Winter Makepeace and willful Lady Isabel Beckinhall’s love story.
Winter, long suspected by many of being the Ghost of St. Giles, has to finally face his ultimate dilemma: lust and desire for the beautiful and alluring Isabel, or remain focused to his cause. Will he give up his monk-like existence, his protective nature toward his orphans, his night-time rescues? Will she want him to? After all, she has secret yearnings of her own. Will she accept ?
Of course, when I got to the part where they were trying to , I was irately saying to myself: “Why? Why? Why are Temperance and Hero out of town now?!?”
This author is pairing the working class with the aristocracy in her progression of novels, which have a delishiously Gothic feel to them; yet, each couple is unique. It is always a sign of a great series, by a talented writer (as opposed to a lucky one), if she can make you fall for heroes who are so completely opposite of one another, as are Lazarus Huntington, Lord Caire, from Wicked Intentions; or gin-selling Griffin Remmington, Lord Reading, certainly a less than ideal hero at the beginning of Notorious Pleasures; then to ruthlessly “Charming” Micky from Scandalous Desires; and on through to pious avenger Winter in this one! “Bravo!”
Oh...and, by the way, the love scenes are H.O.T.!
Maiden Lane Cast of Characters - Elizabeth Holt's website
Mask from http://stores.venicebuysmasks.com/
November 3, 2016
This picture reminds me of a moment in the book when Winter Makepeace and Lady Isabel Bekinhall could no longer deny the passion that was getting stronger with every stolen glance and slight touch. And what follows proved to be a very sensual scene that caused a hitch in my breath and a tingle in my belly. ❤
Winter has been a constant thread in the three books leading to this one and within each book there was another layer of him revealed. Who was this man and why had he become this protector and savior of sorts. He was gentle yet when provoked he was fierce. And Lady Beckinhall was a woman of social grace. She would provoke Winter in a way that would rock his core. He had a life plan. One he swore he wouldn't stray from.
Another wonderful installment in the Maiden Lane Series. I’m looking forward to book #5 Lord of Darkness.
October 2, 2016
I don't think I was a huge fan of Winter in the previous books. I started this and got a little bored and put it away. Got back to it again and I must say I ended up really enjoying it.
Winter is younger than Isabel and their social standings are miles apart. She is upper class and he is definitely in the lower classes. To her mind, nothing can ever come of their relationship.
The banter was great between them. He wasn't intimidated by her station. Although she is a widow, he makes her feel like a gauche schoolgirl at times.
We didn't really get to catch up with the characters from the previous books, which was a shame.
Winter is younger than Isabel and their social standings are miles apart. She is upper class and he is definitely in the lower classes. To her mind, nothing can ever come of their relationship.
The banter was great between them. He wasn't intimidated by her station. Although she is a widow, he makes her feel like a gauche schoolgirl at times.
We didn't really get to catch up with the characters from the previous books, which was a shame.
February 3, 2016
3.5 starsWinter Makepeace has devoted his life to being the headmaster of the home for foundling children in the poverty stricken area of London called St. Giles. However, by night, he's the mysterious Ghost of St. Giles, a sort of a historical version of Batman, trying to protect mostly the abandoned or orphaned children of the district. The night he's injured while saving Mickey O'Rourke from the gallows, he himself is rescued by Lady Isabel Beckinhall. She's a widow and one of the patronesses of the home but doesn't realize Winter and the Ghost are one and the same.
I learned much more about Winter and why he's so passionate about his work, giving him more dimension. At first I was also intrigued by his developing interest in Isabel but then struggled understanding much about her. I couldn't really connect with her or grasp her motivations, finding her character too underdeveloped. That caused the romance to be lacking, despite some rather steamy encounters. Isabel is the weak link in the story.
The mystery surrounding the disappearance of the little girls had promise but was never really fleshed out very well. I don't like it when there aren't enough clues to deduce the villain, as was the case here though there were lots of red herrings.
The story was entertaining but not up to the caliber of the earlier books. The narration, however, was outstanding and I'll continue with the audio versions. Still, a mediocre story in this series is still a good read. 3.5 stars
I learned much more about Winter and why he's so passionate about his work, giving him more dimension. At first I was also intrigued by his developing interest in Isabel but then struggled understanding much about her. I couldn't really connect with her or grasp her motivations, finding her character too underdeveloped. That caused the romance to be lacking, despite some rather steamy encounters. Isabel is the weak link in the story.
The mystery surrounding the disappearance of the little girls had promise but was never really fleshed out very well. I don't like it when there aren't enough clues to deduce the villain, as was the case here though there were lots of red herrings.
The story was entertaining but not up to the caliber of the earlier books. The narration, however, was outstanding and I'll continue with the audio versions. Still, a mediocre story in this series is still a good read. 3.5 stars
August 12, 2022
Thief of Shadows is one of those romance novels that puts everything together in just the right way.
Hero: Virgin masked vigilante who has devoted his life to helping the poor and downtrodden. No seriously, it's his LIFE'S WORK, both his masked alter ego and his everyday meek schoolmaster self work for the most vulnerable members of society.
Heroine: Frivolous society lady on the outside, intelligent and caring on the inside (you mean they're BOTH wearing masks?).
Add in a ton of cinematic scenes - including a daring, last-minute escape in a carriage, a sword fight at the opera, and a Hollywood-ending proposal - and some of the hottest intimate scenes ever written, and you have a small idea of what you'll get when you read this book.
31-Word Summaries:
Laine: This is ultra peak Elizabeth Hoyt. Saintly and self-sacrificing hero is saved by a woman with a secret trauma that only he can heal with a ton of very hot sex.
Meg: Isabel is an “experienced” nobleman’s widow (yes, she shares her number). Winter is a virgin masked vigilante by night who runs a foundling school by day. How will they get together?
www.linktr.ee/plottrysts
Hero: Virgin masked vigilante who has devoted his life to helping the poor and downtrodden. No seriously, it's his LIFE'S WORK, both his masked alter ego and his everyday meek schoolmaster self work for the most vulnerable members of society.
Heroine: Frivolous society lady on the outside, intelligent and caring on the inside (you mean they're BOTH wearing masks?).
Add in a ton of cinematic scenes - including a daring, last-minute escape in a carriage, a sword fight at the opera, and a Hollywood-ending proposal - and some of the hottest intimate scenes ever written, and you have a small idea of what you'll get when you read this book.
31-Word Summaries:
Laine: This is ultra peak Elizabeth Hoyt. Saintly and self-sacrificing hero is saved by a woman with a secret trauma that only he can heal with a ton of very hot sex.
Meg: Isabel is an “experienced” nobleman’s widow (yes, she shares her number). Winter is a virgin masked vigilante by night who runs a foundling school by day. How will they get together?
www.linktr.ee/plottrysts
August 15, 2012
Read it in one sitting and loved it.
Had so many things that I just squee over in a book:
- Virgin hero? CHECK.
- Older woman, younger man? CHECK.
- Hero in pursuit/unrequited love? CHECK.
- Suspense element that did not take over the story, but was enough to keep the plot interesting? CHECK.
- Evildoing villain I totally did not guess? CHECK.
- Heroine I actually liked and whose reasoning for shying away from the hero was noble and not TSTL "logic?" CHECK.
- Sprinkling of secondary characters who tied back to previous books, but not so much that they overwhelmed the current story? CHECK.
- Enough set up for the next book that, even though I didn't care much about those characters prior to this book, I am curious enough to want to read their book when it comes out in February? CHECK.
- Best of all, main characters who were strong, well-matched, really felt made for each other, complemented each other, and brought out the hidden depths in each other? DOUBLE CHECK.**
This was not a flawless book, but it felt so damned right when I read it. Highly recommended.
** - To expand on this point, I really enjoyed seeing the main characters learn, through the other person, that it's okay to have feelings for, care for, and love each other and the people around them.
Had so many things that I just squee over in a book:
- Virgin hero? CHECK.
- Older woman, younger man? CHECK.
- Hero in pursuit/unrequited love? CHECK.
- Suspense element that did not take over the story, but was enough to keep the plot interesting? CHECK.
- Evildoing villain I totally did not guess? CHECK.
- Heroine I actually liked and whose reasoning for shying away from the hero was noble and not TSTL "logic?" CHECK.
- Sprinkling of secondary characters who tied back to previous books, but not so much that they overwhelmed the current story? CHECK.
- Enough set up for the next book that, even though I didn't care much about those characters prior to this book, I am curious enough to want to read their book when it comes out in February? CHECK.
- Best of all, main characters who were strong, well-matched, really felt made for each other, complemented each other, and brought out the hidden depths in each other? DOUBLE CHECK.**
This was not a flawless book, but it felt so damned right when I read it. Highly recommended.
** - To expand on this point, I really enjoyed seeing the main characters learn, through the other person, that it's okay to have feelings for, care for, and love each other and the people around them.
July 1, 2018
4.5 STARS!
I think I just wasn't able to connect with Winter Makepeace in the beginning. As Lady Isabel says . . .
Forever wasn't for them.After a bit of a lackluster start, Ms. Hoyt managed to tie all the threads of Thief of Shadows together and pull off another incredible installment in the Maiden Lane series!!
I think I just wasn't able to connect with Winter Makepeace in the beginning. As Lady Isabel says . . .
He was so stiff, so utterly self-contained. Perhaps he simply had no emotions to restrain.But once the story got rolling and Isabel and Winter relaxed into their characters, I started to enjoy this one more and more. These two bantered back and forth constantly, bathing themselves in innuendo.
"Do be careful, Mr. Makepeace. Complicated maneuvers such as the one you just tried are better left to those more experienced."To my delight, the second half really gained momentum until, by 70%, enjoyable had somehow become completely swoon-worthy. Surprise: an epic love story!
"Ah, but, Lady Bekinhall," he said as the corners of his mouth twitched, "I hope under your tutelage to be experienced quite soon."
He'd felt her, felt the world around him, and at the same time knew that they were the very center, just the two of them.~Sigh~
"Precious Isabel," he whispered. "You made a deal with your heart, your soul, and your body, and you sealed it with the wash of your climax on my cock."Loved it! On to book 5!
March 18, 2022
Re-read for #ButDoTheyBang in March 2022 - still a fav of the series for me. I love seeing an uptight starchy man get unraveled and taken over by love. Lady Isabel is such a babe.
Thief of Shadows is the book which inspired my current Maiden Lane binge. Sold to me simply as "Virgin Batman," I was breathlessly awaiting my copy of which I ordered from Love's Sweet Arrow (I could NOT wait six months for my Overdrive hold).
If you have not read the other three ML books and want to remain unspoiled for the identity of the masked Harlequin, stop reading here.
CW: Violence involving stabbing, guns, blood, wounds. Child endangerment (most implied, some described but in the past, discussion of children being sold for sex), miscarriage (in the past). Discussion of difficulty in pregnancy, use of "barren."
Still with me? Okay. The last pages of Scandalous Desires revealed the identity of the "Ghost of St. Gile" as WINTER MAKEPEACE. I had my suspicions from the start, as the stoic, sober, and buttoned up Winter definitely had some secrets he was holding repressed from his family and friends. Ho ho ho. Does he ever.
I was also very intrigued by he and Lady Isabel's verbal banter in the previous book, and it paid off big time in this story. A classic opposites attract, how could Hoyt ever pull off an HEA for a worldly, aristocratic widow with the vigilante VIRGIN commoner? How?!
How indeed. You'll have to read to find out, but this story was absolutely everything. Isabel is the epitome of exasperated, prickly over it all-ness but with a huge heart of gold, who can pick up a almost dead body off the road and plunk it in her carriage. She has pistols hidden under her cushions, but also loves a luxurious gown. She's hiding behind a mask of genteel womanhood and fun, while also protecting the very real hurts she experienced trying to have children.
And Winter. Oh Winter. I loved watching him unravel for Isabel, fearing she was falling for The Ghost of St. Giles, the Harlequin, but never himself, hidden under many of his own masks.
There are so many great lines and I have a print copy so it was hard to write them down, darn guess I'll need to reread.
What else did I love? Oh, the behind the curtains blow job, the delicious sex scene in the carriage, Winter and Isabel figuring each other out in bed. Winter holding Isabel after she tries to scare away his love. Winter being annoyed he finds Isabel's silly clock adorable. Oh so much. Definitely going on the keeper shelf!
Thief of Shadows is the book which inspired my current Maiden Lane binge. Sold to me simply as "Virgin Batman," I was breathlessly awaiting my copy of which I ordered from Love's Sweet Arrow (I could NOT wait six months for my Overdrive hold).
If you have not read the other three ML books and want to remain unspoiled for the identity of the masked Harlequin, stop reading here.
CW: Violence involving stabbing, guns, blood, wounds. Child endangerment (most implied, some described but in the past, discussion of children being sold for sex), miscarriage (in the past). Discussion of difficulty in pregnancy, use of "barren."
Still with me? Okay. The last pages of Scandalous Desires revealed the identity of the "Ghost of St. Gile" as WINTER MAKEPEACE. I had my suspicions from the start, as the stoic, sober, and buttoned up Winter definitely had some secrets he was holding repressed from his family and friends. Ho ho ho. Does he ever.
I was also very intrigued by he and Lady Isabel's verbal banter in the previous book, and it paid off big time in this story. A classic opposites attract, how could Hoyt ever pull off an HEA for a worldly, aristocratic widow with the vigilante VIRGIN commoner? How?!
How indeed. You'll have to read to find out, but this story was absolutely everything. Isabel is the epitome of exasperated, prickly over it all-ness but with a huge heart of gold, who can pick up a almost dead body off the road and plunk it in her carriage. She has pistols hidden under her cushions, but also loves a luxurious gown. She's hiding behind a mask of genteel womanhood and fun, while also protecting the very real hurts she experienced trying to have children.
And Winter. Oh Winter. I loved watching him unravel for Isabel, fearing she was falling for The Ghost of St. Giles, the Harlequin, but never himself, hidden under many of his own masks.
There are so many great lines and I have a print copy so it was hard to write them down, darn guess I'll need to reread.
What else did I love? Oh, the behind the curtains blow job, the delicious sex scene in the carriage, Winter and Isabel figuring each other out in bed. Winter holding Isabel after she tries to scare away his love. Winter being annoyed he finds Isabel's silly clock adorable. Oh so much. Definitely going on the keeper shelf!
May 27, 2022
Nuestra reseña en A la cama con... un libro
4'5 estrellitas. Una delicia lectora *.*
//RELECTURA//
Qué maravilla de historia, lo he disfruta más que la primera vez (y mira que la primera vez lo adoré). Winter Makepeace es un personaje que te roba el corazón por completo con su inteligencia, calidez, generosidad y su palotismo, que es neverending total con Isabel. Por cierto, ella es una heroína top top, compleja y de esas que no se escriben ahora, ya que la tentación de hacerlo todo perfecto deja atrás personaje como estos, cuyo HEA es fabuloso pero no convencional.
El libro tiene todo, aventuras, intrigas, amor, muchísima pasión y momentos muy muy hot (y también poco convencionales).
Si no fuera por el dichoso cuento sería un libro perfecto.
Netflix, adapta esta serie de libros!
4'5 estrellitas. Una delicia lectora *.*
//RELECTURA//
Qué maravilla de historia, lo he disfruta más que la primera vez (y mira que la primera vez lo adoré). Winter Makepeace es un personaje que te roba el corazón por completo con su inteligencia, calidez, generosidad y su palotismo, que es neverending total con Isabel. Por cierto, ella es una heroína top top, compleja y de esas que no se escriben ahora, ya que la tentación de hacerlo todo perfecto deja atrás personaje como estos, cuyo HEA es fabuloso pero no convencional.
El libro tiene todo, aventuras, intrigas, amor, muchísima pasión y momentos muy muy hot (y también poco convencionales).
Si no fuera por el dichoso cuento sería un libro perfecto.
Netflix, adapta esta serie de libros!
May 31, 2020
I absolutely loved this book!
It was amazing to see Ms Hoyt turn the dour, surly, humourless Winter Makepeace into a take-your-breath-away hero. I was surprised to discover that he was the Ghost of St. Giles at the end of Scandalous Desires. My money had been on the elusive brother, Asa. But, as they say, never judge a book by its cover.
Winter is so refreshingly different from other heroes and that really appealed to me. I love his total dedication to rescuing and caring for those vulnerable children who are preyed upon in the dangerous streets of St. Giles. This is his life’s work and requires a hundred per cent of his time and he has forsworn a wife and family, keeping his emotional and physical needs suppressed. But when his alter-ego, the Ghost of St Giles, takes over, it’s exciting to see a very different side to him. The mask gives him anonymity and allows him to give free rein to his darker emotions. He is daring, reckless and so very sexy. I loved this passionate crusading Winter.
There are some scenes where he melted my heart with his gentleness and understanding.
Most interesting is the fact that he’s a virgin, a rare phenomenon among romance heroes. I love this aspect of him because it provides for some memorable scenes between Winter and Isabel. More about those later!
I think Winter may just have usurped Charming Mickey as my favourite hero of this series!
I did have some qualms about whether I would like Isabel. In Scandalous Desires she appeared shallow and patronising. But, as with Winter, appearances can be deceptive and Isabel proved to be a delightful heroine and just perfect for Winter.
She is charming, confident, intelligent, caring, brave and witty. I particularly liked that she is older than Winter and sexually experienced. She had taken a few lovers after her husband’s death and isn’t afraid to admit that she enjoys sex which I found refreshing. She had suffered tragedy in her life but hides the hurt and pain beneath a mask of flirtation and frivolity. Only Winter sees the vulnerable woman beneath.
For a split second he was shocked to see pain in her face. Then she smiled brilliantly as if to mask whatever emotions she might be feeling.
Watching her slowly realise how much she has come to care for her husband’s son, Christopher, was really heart-warming.
What amazing sexual tension Ms Hoyt created. Talk about steaming up my glasses! The role reversal with the younger inexperienced man and the older experienced woman worked so well. I liked that Winter wasn’t shy but totally at ease with himself while it was Isabel who was flustered by his outspokenness.
One of my favourite scenes is where Isabel is given the task of tutoring Winter in social etiquette. She has asked him to think of a suitable compliment about a lady’s appearance and, whilst looking at Isabel, he’s thinking:
I would do violence for one glimpse of your naked breasts. Bleed for one taste of your nipple on my tongue.
No, that was probably not the type of compliment she was looking for.
I loved watching Winter’s sexual awakening under Isabel's tutelage and what woman wouldn’t want to be the focus of all that suppressed desire? The love scenes were positively smouldering, particularly the one where Winter tells Isabel:
”I am the one in charge tonight my lady. I am the one who holds the reins.”
He certainly puts all Isabel’s lessons into good practice!!!
Once again Ms Hoyt brings alive the atmosphere of St. Giles perfectly. I could sense the danger lurking in the shadows, see the squalidness, smell the filth and hear the sounds of the dregs of society.
I’m not sure about the pairing of the hero and heroine in the next book, Lord of Darkness, but I have every confidence that Ms Hoyt will pull another winner out of the bag.
FAVOURITE QUOTE
"I'll never look at you in any way but complete admiration." He stroked her hair soothingly. "You'll never be a millstone about my neck. Rather you're the sunshine that brightens my day.”
VERDICT: THIS BOOK IS A DEFINITE KEEPER
RATING: ★★★★★
It was amazing to see Ms Hoyt turn the dour, surly, humourless Winter Makepeace into a take-your-breath-away hero. I was surprised to discover that he was the Ghost of St. Giles at the end of Scandalous Desires. My money had been on the elusive brother, Asa. But, as they say, never judge a book by its cover.
Winter is so refreshingly different from other heroes and that really appealed to me. I love his total dedication to rescuing and caring for those vulnerable children who are preyed upon in the dangerous streets of St. Giles. This is his life’s work and requires a hundred per cent of his time and he has forsworn a wife and family, keeping his emotional and physical needs suppressed. But when his alter-ego, the Ghost of St Giles, takes over, it’s exciting to see a very different side to him. The mask gives him anonymity and allows him to give free rein to his darker emotions. He is daring, reckless and so very sexy. I loved this passionate crusading Winter.
There are some scenes where he melted my heart with his gentleness and understanding.
Most interesting is the fact that he’s a virgin, a rare phenomenon among romance heroes. I love this aspect of him because it provides for some memorable scenes between Winter and Isabel. More about those later!
I think Winter may just have usurped Charming Mickey as my favourite hero of this series!
I did have some qualms about whether I would like Isabel. In Scandalous Desires she appeared shallow and patronising. But, as with Winter, appearances can be deceptive and Isabel proved to be a delightful heroine and just perfect for Winter.
She is charming, confident, intelligent, caring, brave and witty. I particularly liked that she is older than Winter and sexually experienced. She had taken a few lovers after her husband’s death and isn’t afraid to admit that she enjoys sex which I found refreshing. She had suffered tragedy in her life but hides the hurt and pain beneath a mask of flirtation and frivolity. Only Winter sees the vulnerable woman beneath.
For a split second he was shocked to see pain in her face. Then she smiled brilliantly as if to mask whatever emotions she might be feeling.
Watching her slowly realise how much she has come to care for her husband’s son, Christopher, was really heart-warming.
What amazing sexual tension Ms Hoyt created. Talk about steaming up my glasses! The role reversal with the younger inexperienced man and the older experienced woman worked so well. I liked that Winter wasn’t shy but totally at ease with himself while it was Isabel who was flustered by his outspokenness.
One of my favourite scenes is where Isabel is given the task of tutoring Winter in social etiquette. She has asked him to think of a suitable compliment about a lady’s appearance and, whilst looking at Isabel, he’s thinking:
I would do violence for one glimpse of your naked breasts. Bleed for one taste of your nipple on my tongue.
No, that was probably not the type of compliment she was looking for.
I loved watching Winter’s sexual awakening under Isabel's tutelage and what woman wouldn’t want to be the focus of all that suppressed desire? The love scenes were positively smouldering, particularly the one where Winter tells Isabel:
”I am the one in charge tonight my lady. I am the one who holds the reins.”
He certainly puts all Isabel’s lessons into good practice!!!
Once again Ms Hoyt brings alive the atmosphere of St. Giles perfectly. I could sense the danger lurking in the shadows, see the squalidness, smell the filth and hear the sounds of the dregs of society.
I’m not sure about the pairing of the hero and heroine in the next book, Lord of Darkness, but I have every confidence that Ms Hoyt will pull another winner out of the bag.
FAVOURITE QUOTE
"I'll never look at you in any way but complete admiration." He stroked her hair soothingly. "You'll never be a millstone about my neck. Rather you're the sunshine that brightens my day.”
VERDICT: THIS BOOK IS A DEFINITE KEEPER
RATING: ★★★★★
March 12, 2017
I am in love with Winter Makepeace. He is my newest dream man. He is everything I ever wanted in a Historical Romance hero and more. He is utterly swoonworthy.
This is my favorite book of the series so far. And not just because of Winter (who still holds my heart in his hands) but also because of Isabel who gets to be a strong woman of the time and not a virgin since she is widowed and has had a few lovers since in fact. This is something I’ve been asking for in an HR book for forever and finally it has come together beautifully.
Winter is a HR superhero. He reminds me a little of spiderman without the radioactive superpowers. Winter has dedicated his life to helping the people of St. Giles by dressing up and parading around as the Ghost of St. Giles. He might be the mild mannored buttoned down manager of an orphanage by day but by night he is on the trail of the lassie snatchers the group kidnapping little girls off the street. He has spent so much time with the orphanage and his nighttime extracurricular activities that he hasn’t had much time for women…well any time actually and is a virgin. *gasps*
Finally a hero in an HR romance that isn’t a man-whore prior to meeting the heroine. Oh and you might not think that he is going to be hot because he is inexperienced but I promise you what he makes up in expertise initially he more than makes up for in enthusiasm, fantastic words and inventiveness.
Isabel is her own woman and is afforded more leeway since she is no longer a maiden. When she discovers that the very contained Mr. Makepeace is in fact that Quixotic character the Ghost of St. Giles she decides that she must have him.
I loved their romance. How she got to take the reins in the beginning and be dominant in her seduction of Winter. She is slightly older and definitely more experienced but that doesn’t mean that Winter didn’t figure out how to please her in EVERY way and learn to take the reins back from her in their seduction.
I even really enjoyed the side story apart from the romance of the orphanage and the little boy Christopher who was living with Isabel and what he was to her. The story of the Lassie Snatchers and Winter’s fight to keep the orphanage under his management was really engaging as well. This was a win on all levels, romance, plotline, characters just everything was fantastic.
If you want something out of the standard cookie cutter HR box I think this is it.
This is my favorite book of the series so far. And not just because of Winter (who still holds my heart in his hands) but also because of Isabel who gets to be a strong woman of the time and not a virgin since she is widowed and has had a few lovers since in fact. This is something I’ve been asking for in an HR book for forever and finally it has come together beautifully.
Winter is a HR superhero. He reminds me a little of spiderman without the radioactive superpowers. Winter has dedicated his life to helping the people of St. Giles by dressing up and parading around as the Ghost of St. Giles. He might be the mild mannored buttoned down manager of an orphanage by day but by night he is on the trail of the lassie snatchers the group kidnapping little girls off the street. He has spent so much time with the orphanage and his nighttime extracurricular activities that he hasn’t had much time for women…well any time actually and is a virgin. *gasps*
Finally a hero in an HR romance that isn’t a man-whore prior to meeting the heroine. Oh and you might not think that he is going to be hot because he is inexperienced but I promise you what he makes up in expertise initially he more than makes up for in enthusiasm, fantastic words and inventiveness.
“But you must be awash in a sea of compliments, my lady. Every gentleman you meet must voice his admiration, his wish to make love to you. And those are only the ones who may voice such thoughts. All about you are men who cannot speak their admiration, who must remain mute from lack of social standing or fear of offending you. Only their thoughts light the air about you, following you like a trail of perfume, heady but invisible.
Isabel is her own woman and is afforded more leeway since she is no longer a maiden. When she discovers that the very contained Mr. Makepeace is in fact that Quixotic character the Ghost of St. Giles she decides that she must have him.
”She was tired of waiting for him to acknowledge who he was. Tired of donning a false mask of gaiety when she was so much more—felt so much more—beneath. No one had ever noticed her mask. No one but him. If he couldn’t or wouldn’t make the first move, then damn it, she would.”
I loved their romance. How she got to take the reins in the beginning and be dominant in her seduction of Winter. She is slightly older and definitely more experienced but that doesn’t mean that Winter didn’t figure out how to please her in EVERY way and learn to take the reins back from her in their seduction.
“She threw one leg over his and straddled his lap, then reached under herself and found him again.
He tore his mouth from hers. “Wait.”
“No.” She looked him frankly in the eyes. “I don’t care if you spill at once. I need you inside me now.”
His beautiful eyes widened and then narrowed. “You’ll not always hold the reins, my lady.”
She smiled sweetly. “Naturally not, but I do now.”
I even really enjoyed the side story apart from the romance of the orphanage and the little boy Christopher who was living with Isabel and what he was to her. The story of the Lassie Snatchers and Winter’s fight to keep the orphanage under his management was really engaging as well. This was a win on all levels, romance, plotline, characters just everything was fantastic.
If you want something out of the standard cookie cutter HR box I think this is it.
July 24, 2015
My definition of a brilliant story is one that forces you to forget about anything else beyond the plot, making you feel as though nothing else mattered aside from the tale that was slowly unfolding in front of you. It is one that gets you so thoroughly invested in the characters that you actually end up sharing their experiences--even to such a degree that the lines between you, the reader, and the characters get blurred. The risk of reading such a story is that it's so damn hard to move on. Even after finishing it, you merely curl up in a corner and relive the events in the book. You go back to every smile offered, ever kiss given, every touch shared by the characters that made the book so meaningful. You simply relish every part of it, even those that tore your heart into two.
And Thief of Shadows is such a story for me. It's been a few hours since I finished it, yet I'm still having a hard time forgetting everything. My brain feels a bit dazed, befuddled by my emotions about what happened in the book. And that's how I know that this is nothing short of brilliant.
I can understand why others may be reluctant to give this full marks, though. While this story is indeed beautiful, it is painful in its beauty. We have a barren heroine who, because of past hurts, hides herself behind a mask of frivolity and sophistication. We have a hero who denies himself the joys of living to fulfil a seemingly impossible goal. They find each other, but before they can accept their love, they must first accept themselves--their humanity, their limitations. And that's when the pain gets overwhelming. How do you cope with the fact that you can never create life with the one you love? How do you stomach the idea that others can easily get what you can never have? How do you accept an imperfect, incomplete love?
Reading this book is not a walk in the park. It claws at your heart with its poignancy, and shocks you with its raw sensuality. But it's worth it. The realism may be suffocating at some points, but gives the book depth. Winter and Isabel may be imperfect leads, but they are perfect together.
The prose is perfect, as is expected from Ms. Elizabeth Hoyt. The pacing, plot structure, equally amazing. I just love this book and it's definitely one of my favourites.
And Thief of Shadows is such a story for me. It's been a few hours since I finished it, yet I'm still having a hard time forgetting everything. My brain feels a bit dazed, befuddled by my emotions about what happened in the book. And that's how I know that this is nothing short of brilliant.
I can understand why others may be reluctant to give this full marks, though. While this story is indeed beautiful, it is painful in its beauty. We have a barren heroine who, because of past hurts, hides herself behind a mask of frivolity and sophistication. We have a hero who denies himself the joys of living to fulfil a seemingly impossible goal. They find each other, but before they can accept their love, they must first accept themselves--their humanity, their limitations. And that's when the pain gets overwhelming. How do you cope with the fact that you can never create life with the one you love? How do you stomach the idea that others can easily get what you can never have? How do you accept an imperfect, incomplete love?
Reading this book is not a walk in the park. It claws at your heart with its poignancy, and shocks you with its raw sensuality. But it's worth it. The realism may be suffocating at some points, but gives the book depth. Winter and Isabel may be imperfect leads, but they are perfect together.
He talked to her as if she mattered.
And considering it now, she realized no one had ever been curious about her, Isabel the woman. She had been wife and daughter, lover and witty society lady. But no one had ever looked beneath those masks to find out what the woman who wore them really thought.
Was it so terrible to want to be closer to a man who saw her as a person?
The prose is perfect, as is expected from Ms. Elizabeth Hoyt. The pacing, plot structure, equally amazing. I just love this book and it's definitely one of my favourites.
January 20, 2019
3.75 stars
Beautiful story with interesting, flawed, complex leads.
This used a character/couple trope I'm generally not a big fan of and I guess it slipped my mind before reading this since Winter is such a stoic mystery who carries himself so much older. The hero is 6 years younger than the heroine and a virgin to boot. The virgin part doesn't bother me, in fact it made for some really interesting compelling scenes between the h and hr who both are for the lack of a better term, straightforward. That blunt honesty between the both of them worked really well. It made the teasing, bantering and even arguing fun and refreshing. I already went into this somewhat bias, I already had a soft spot for Winter given how heartfelt he is with everything he does and carries so many burdens on his shoulders. So I tried to keep an open mind with the age difference. And I'm glad I did. Isabel and Winter were well matched and another great commentary on high class vs low class, which is the overall theme in this series. That theme adds enough conflict and tension between the couple and Hoyt explores it wonderfully.
I said this about Temperance's book and I have to say it again, Hoyt really masters at drawing realistic flawed characters with so much depth, honesty and rough edges. The self-awareness and limitations her characters show I find the most refreshing and so realistic. Nobody is perfect, we all have issues and make mistakes or sometimes carry misconceptions of others we aren't even aware of but try to do better. That human flaw is played out here wonderfully. Here it was with the quiet school master and orphanage manager Winter Makepeace (clever last name btw) who tries his hardest to save and protect orphaned children from the streets of St. Giles. He meets his match in Lady Isabel Beckinhall, she with the silver tongue, quick wit and vulnerable insecure heart. That vulnerability which is buried underneath layers of self-deprecating snark was brought to the surface by Winter, who doesn't let her hide.
And I have to say the sexiest love scene with a virgin hero in HR I think I’ve read to date was here. The experienced heroine showing the inexperienced hero how to pleasure her. Wowza. So simple and honest but sensual. Like I've said I generally don't like this kind of dynamic but here it was nicely played. I just adored how unbashful Winter was with his questions and pushing Isabel to tell him frankly what he should do. I found that surprisingly very sexy.
I also enjoyed the continuation of other story arcs and seeing Temperance pop up in here wanting to spend time with Mary Whitsun, the eldest orphaned girl at the home. I found this very smart. This is another thing I love about Hoyt’s writing. Her consistency. The sense of realistic continuation even after a couple get their HEA, we still see glimpses of them dealing with daily life struggles and reality after their HEA. Hoyt brilliantly hammers home and reminds her readers that not everything is always sunshine and roses and there are still daily struggles. In this case being, Temperance loving an orphaned girl and wanting to spend more time with her even though she no longer lives at the orphanage and is married. It’s heartbreaking in a sense because she had to leave this girl behind. I really like the fact that Hoyt didn't take the easy way out or forced an issue to reach a convoluted HEA conclusion. Nor did she use the much abused and obnoxious orphan trope that I hate. The one where MCs take in orphan child simply to draw sympathy from readers while having no relevance to the story or characters--ugh. No. But that wasn't the case here. The relationship the adults have with these children is so honest and bittersweet. Just like Winter heartbreakingly makes Joseph Tinbox take the Naval commision he's offered by a peer, no matter how much he loves the boy, he knows it will benefit the child more in life. Not only is that selfless but it’s so realistic. This is honestly the one time I’ve enjoyed reading about an orphanage and the colorful kids running around and seeing Winter interact with them. And no I don’t hate kids in books, if written well they tug at your heart strings and tug at my strings it did. Little Christopher following around Isabel and vying for her attention made me want to curl up into a ball and smack her at the same time. The little boy's longing to be loved by the worldly Isabel was so heartbreaking and endearing. How these two slowly connected and end up clinging to each other was such a great payoff. I was so proud of Isabel.
I also have to give kudos and applaud Hoyt for her knack at historical research and political/social commentary.
So why only 3½ stars? I felt I enjoyed the overall world building and supporting characters more than I did the couple. And I did really like Winter & Isabel but their romance didn't sweep me off my feet when compared to Temperance & Lazurus. I thought they worked well together but was waiting for that little something extra. I also felt the villain angle fell flat, the "lassie snatchers" played out very anticlimactic for me and the person behind it was kinda obvious. But still, great read and an improvement from Griff and Hero's story.
Beautiful story with interesting, flawed, complex leads.
This used a character/couple trope I'm generally not a big fan of and I guess it slipped my mind before reading this since Winter is such a stoic mystery who carries himself so much older. The hero is 6 years younger than the heroine and a virgin to boot. The virgin part doesn't bother me, in fact it made for some really interesting compelling scenes between the h and hr who both are for the lack of a better term, straightforward. That blunt honesty between the both of them worked really well. It made the teasing, bantering and even arguing fun and refreshing. I already went into this somewhat bias, I already had a soft spot for Winter given how heartfelt he is with everything he does and carries so many burdens on his shoulders. So I tried to keep an open mind with the age difference. And I'm glad I did. Isabel and Winter were well matched and another great commentary on high class vs low class, which is the overall theme in this series. That theme adds enough conflict and tension between the couple and Hoyt explores it wonderfully.
"But you must be awash in a sea of compliments, my lady," Winter said. "Every gentleman you meet must voice his admiration, his wish to make love to you. And those are only the ones who may voice such thoughts. All about you are men who cannot speak their admiration, who must remain mute from lack of social standing or fear of offending you. Only their thoughts light the air about you, following you like a trail of perfume, heady but invisible."
I said this about Temperance's book and I have to say it again, Hoyt really masters at drawing realistic flawed characters with so much depth, honesty and rough edges. The self-awareness and limitations her characters show I find the most refreshing and so realistic. Nobody is perfect, we all have issues and make mistakes or sometimes carry misconceptions of others we aren't even aware of but try to do better. That human flaw is played out here wonderfully. Here it was with the quiet school master and orphanage manager Winter Makepeace (clever last name btw) who tries his hardest to save and protect orphaned children from the streets of St. Giles. He meets his match in Lady Isabel Beckinhall, she with the silver tongue, quick wit and vulnerable insecure heart. That vulnerability which is buried underneath layers of self-deprecating snark was brought to the surface by Winter, who doesn't let her hide.
And I have to say the sexiest love scene with a virgin hero in HR I think I’ve read to date was here. The experienced heroine showing the inexperienced hero how to pleasure her. Wowza. So simple and honest but sensual. Like I've said I generally don't like this kind of dynamic but here it was nicely played. I just adored how unbashful Winter was with his questions and pushing Isabel to tell him frankly what he should do. I found that surprisingly very sexy.
She bit her lip. “Could you….stroke?”
“Like this?”
She inhaled. “Softer.”
“This?”
She laughed, but the sound was frustrated. He was too high, hadn’t quite found the right place. Perhaps she should--
“Isabel,” he suddenly breathed in her ear. “I have all night. Surely by dawn I can learn this. Please show me.”
Well, that was quite frank. And oddly, he didn’t sound as if his male pride was hurt. He merely sounded...curious.
I also enjoyed the continuation of other story arcs and seeing Temperance pop up in here wanting to spend time with Mary Whitsun, the eldest orphaned girl at the home. I found this very smart. This is another thing I love about Hoyt’s writing. Her consistency. The sense of realistic continuation even after a couple get their HEA, we still see glimpses of them dealing with daily life struggles and reality after their HEA. Hoyt brilliantly hammers home and reminds her readers that not everything is always sunshine and roses and there are still daily struggles. In this case being, Temperance loving an orphaned girl and wanting to spend more time with her even though she no longer lives at the orphanage and is married. It’s heartbreaking in a sense because she had to leave this girl behind. I really like the fact that Hoyt didn't take the easy way out or forced an issue to reach a convoluted HEA conclusion. Nor did she use the much abused and obnoxious orphan trope that I hate. The one where MCs take in orphan child simply to draw sympathy from readers while having no relevance to the story or characters--ugh. No. But that wasn't the case here. The relationship the adults have with these children is so honest and bittersweet. Just like Winter heartbreakingly makes Joseph Tinbox take the Naval commision he's offered by a peer, no matter how much he loves the boy, he knows it will benefit the child more in life. Not only is that selfless but it’s so realistic. This is honestly the one time I’ve enjoyed reading about an orphanage and the colorful kids running around and seeing Winter interact with them. And no I don’t hate kids in books, if written well they tug at your heart strings and tug at my strings it did. Little Christopher following around Isabel and vying for her attention made me want to curl up into a ball and smack her at the same time. The little boy's longing to be loved by the worldly Isabel was so heartbreaking and endearing. How these two slowly connected and end up clinging to each other was such a great payoff. I was so proud of Isabel.
I also have to give kudos and applaud Hoyt for her knack at historical research and political/social commentary.
So why only 3½ stars? I felt I enjoyed the overall world building and supporting characters more than I did the couple. And I did really like Winter & Isabel but their romance didn't sweep me off my feet when compared to Temperance & Lazurus. I thought they worked well together but was waiting for that little something extra. I also felt the villain angle fell flat, the "lassie snatchers" played out very anticlimactic for me and the person behind it was kinda obvious. But still, great read and an improvement from Griff and Hero's story.
May 13, 2016
She slowly reached out and ran a finger down the length of the deformed nose of his mask. “Who are you?”
His beautiful mouth twisted. “Whoever you wish me to be.”
She laughed then, a little breathlessly. “Don’t make promises you can’t keep, sir.”
“I never do,” his words whispered across her senses.
I’ve been looking forward to Winter Makepeace’s book since the first book where we found out that he is the Ghost of St. Giles. And I must say I was not disappointed by him.
Winter lives for his work at his family’s foundling home, and for his nightly pursuit of protection and justice for those who aren’t able to fight for themselves. He doesn’t have time for flirting with women. Especially not Lady Isabel Beckinhall who is always provoking him.
Lady Isabel Beckinhall loves challenges, which is why when she came across the beaten and wounded Ghost of St. Giles, she can’t resist helping him, and maybe finding out more about him. And intrigued she was by their banter, and this gorgeous body. Then there is the dour manager, Winter, who she just can’t figure out, no matter how hard she pokes at him to reveal his feelings. And now she has been elected to be his social tutor, to teach him social etiquette, otherwise he might just be replaced as the manager of the foundling home. And the more time she spends with him, the more he reminds her of someone, and the more she realises that there is a lot more to Winter Makepeace than she originally thought.
Winter was definitely my favorite part of this book. He comes across as so serious, which he is, but there is so much depth to his character. The way he cares for the little orphan children he rescues and looks after, just made me fall in love with him. And the fact that for once we had a hero who was not a rake
“We might come from terribly divergent backgrounds, Mr. Makepeace,” she murmured. “But I do assure you I can recognize one as lonely as I.”
Honestly, Winter’s character was so amazing that Isabel paled in comparison to him. I had a hard time liking her, perhaps because she came across as shallow with all her flirting and not understanding why Winter was so serious all the time. But like Winter she hides her true self, and the face she showed to the world was not who she really was. She was sexually very aggressive and not shy at all, which I did like, and I liked that she was the one who made the first move between them.
He wanted to touch her more than he wanted his next breath. More than he’d wanted food when he’d been his hungriest. More than he’d wanted water when he’d been his thirstiest. She was a craving under his skin so great that even now he felt his body actually canting toward her. He wanted to take her, to consummate this hunger within himself. Bury his flesh inside hers and conquer her as primitively as any Viking savage.
The bantering between Winter and Isabel was a lot of fun, and I really enjoyed their chemistry. The romance was slow building, but very intense, and I loved how once Winter decided that Isabel was the woman for him, he pursued her relentlessly despite her reluctance in admitting how she really felt about him.
“Don’t you see? You brought me into the daylight. You’ve embraced parts of me that I was never able to let see light. Don’t make me retreat again into the night.”
This was a great addition to a wonderful series, and a must read.
June 25, 2012
Posted on Under the Covers
I wondered how Elizabeth Hoyt would top the fascinating and well-written pirate hero, Mickey of the last book. However, it was obvious from the very beginning that Hoyt had a plan for Winter Makepeace. One that worked so well that it may have become my favorite book of the series.
As the headmaster of the home for foundling children, Winter is stoic, but caring. I wasn’t sure how I would handle his story because he has never quite been a favorite of mine. That has changed after reading this book. As the sun sets and the skies darken, another side of Winter appears. At night, Winter is the Ghost of St. Giles, the protector of the streets and the boogeyman of criminals. In the fourth book of the series, Hoyt delivers yet another story that reigns you right in. With her eloquent and descriptive writing , a spit-fire heroine and fascinating hero, THIEF OF SHADOWS is sure to be a hands down winner for loyal readers and new fans alike.
I was literally blown away with the romance in this one. Hoyt develops their relationship slowly, adding that mysterious allure that really drew me in. The book starts off strong, giving us readers a taste of the dark side where the Ghost does what he is meant to do. I loved this side of Winter because it added mystery, danger and a sexiness to the story that wasn’t in his character previously. Hoyt created a magnificent hero in Winter Makepeace, making him one of my new favorites in historical romance.
Now, there was the hard task of finding someone suitable for Winter and I think Hoyt did a great job of balancing him with Lady Isabel Beckinhall. She was fun and smart, the perfect complement to Winter. Their interactions with one another displayed both their palpable chemistry and each other’s personalities well:
“Where am I?”
He kept his voice to a low, barely audible rasp. Perhaps if he whispered, she wouldn’t recognize him. “My home.” She cocked her head.”I won’t touch your mask if you don’t want me to.”
He watched her, calculating. He was naked, in a strange house, and wounded. The odds were not in his favor.
She raised one elegant eyebrow. “If you’d let go of my wrist?”
He opened his hand. “Your pardon.”
She rubbed her wrist, her eyes lowered demurely.
“I saved your life earlier, and you’re quite at my mercy now” – her eyes flicked over his nude body- “yet I don’t think you truly ask my pardon.”
She raised his gaze to his, intelligent, humorous, and utterly seductive.
The danger was palpable.
Winter’s lip twitched. “Perhaps I’m just a rude fellow.”
“Rude, undoubtedly.” She flicked a finger over the small bit of material covering his pelvis, and his base flesh stirred in mindless respond. “But ungrateful as well?”
He raised his eyebrows. “I trust you do not blame me, madam, for my present state of undress. I do vow, I woke thus and know not who to blame but you.”
Her eyes widened just a fraction and she bit her lip as if to quell a tremor of laughter. “I assure you my, uh, curiosity was prompted merely by a desire to find out there you were wounded, sir."
“Then I am honored by your curiosity."
With heart and heat rolled into one, THIEF OF SHADOWS is a definite must-read for historical romance fans! Hoyt really has outdone herself...yet again.
Favorite Quote:
“I would do violence for one glimpse of your naked breasts. Bleed for one taste of your nipple on my tongue.”
I wondered how Elizabeth Hoyt would top the fascinating and well-written pirate hero, Mickey of the last book. However, it was obvious from the very beginning that Hoyt had a plan for Winter Makepeace. One that worked so well that it may have become my favorite book of the series.
As the headmaster of the home for foundling children, Winter is stoic, but caring. I wasn’t sure how I would handle his story because he has never quite been a favorite of mine. That has changed after reading this book. As the sun sets and the skies darken, another side of Winter appears. At night, Winter is the Ghost of St. Giles, the protector of the streets and the boogeyman of criminals. In the fourth book of the series, Hoyt delivers yet another story that reigns you right in. With her eloquent and descriptive writing , a spit-fire heroine and fascinating hero, THIEF OF SHADOWS is sure to be a hands down winner for loyal readers and new fans alike.
I was literally blown away with the romance in this one. Hoyt develops their relationship slowly, adding that mysterious allure that really drew me in. The book starts off strong, giving us readers a taste of the dark side where the Ghost does what he is meant to do. I loved this side of Winter because it added mystery, danger and a sexiness to the story that wasn’t in his character previously. Hoyt created a magnificent hero in Winter Makepeace, making him one of my new favorites in historical romance.
Now, there was the hard task of finding someone suitable for Winter and I think Hoyt did a great job of balancing him with Lady Isabel Beckinhall. She was fun and smart, the perfect complement to Winter. Their interactions with one another displayed both their palpable chemistry and each other’s personalities well:
“Where am I?”
He kept his voice to a low, barely audible rasp. Perhaps if he whispered, she wouldn’t recognize him. “My home.” She cocked her head.”I won’t touch your mask if you don’t want me to.”
He watched her, calculating. He was naked, in a strange house, and wounded. The odds were not in his favor.
She raised one elegant eyebrow. “If you’d let go of my wrist?”
He opened his hand. “Your pardon.”
She rubbed her wrist, her eyes lowered demurely.
“I saved your life earlier, and you’re quite at my mercy now” – her eyes flicked over his nude body- “yet I don’t think you truly ask my pardon.”
She raised his gaze to his, intelligent, humorous, and utterly seductive.
The danger was palpable.
Winter’s lip twitched. “Perhaps I’m just a rude fellow.”
“Rude, undoubtedly.” She flicked a finger over the small bit of material covering his pelvis, and his base flesh stirred in mindless respond. “But ungrateful as well?”
He raised his eyebrows. “I trust you do not blame me, madam, for my present state of undress. I do vow, I woke thus and know not who to blame but you.”
Her eyes widened just a fraction and she bit her lip as if to quell a tremor of laughter. “I assure you my, uh, curiosity was prompted merely by a desire to find out there you were wounded, sir."
“Then I am honored by your curiosity."
With heart and heat rolled into one, THIEF OF SHADOWS is a definite must-read for historical romance fans! Hoyt really has outdone herself...yet again.
Favorite Quote:
“I would do violence for one glimpse of your naked breasts. Bleed for one taste of your nipple on my tongue.”
April 3, 2021
This is going to be a hard one for me to review, but here it goes.
I like the Clark Kent plot. Mild mannered orphanage manager by day, masked protector of innocents by night.
Our Superman (Winter) is absolutely lovable, sacrificing all to dedicate his life to helping the poor forgotten unfortunate children of St. Giles.
I will admit, I did not suspect who the evil culprit was behind the lassie snatchers, and was lured into suspecting the wrong ones as did the hero. This was a nice surprise I didn't expect.
I didn't feel the chemistry between the H & h. I felt like Winter was more emotionally vested in the lovemaking than the h even towards the end. She seemed only to care about her own pleasure. All of the love scenes could have been done with more sensuality.
The first time they are intimate was a disaster. The h
I didn't care for the h for about 70% of the book, until the author decides to let the viewer in on the reasons for the h's actions. If the author had given us this insight to the h earlier on, I would have felt more emotion towards her, and the story would have had more of an emotional impact. Just my opinion.
Lastly, there could have been more development with secondary characters Lady Penelope, Louisa and Christopher. All three were interesting to me, and felt they would have added more to the conflict had the author delved into there stories more.
The book was entertaining, had potential to be great, but fell flat for me.
I like the Clark Kent plot. Mild mannered orphanage manager by day, masked protector of innocents by night.
Our Superman (Winter) is absolutely lovable, sacrificing all to dedicate his life to helping the poor forgotten unfortunate children of St. Giles.
I will admit, I did not suspect who the evil culprit was behind the lassie snatchers, and was lured into suspecting the wrong ones as did the hero. This was a nice surprise I didn't expect.
I didn't feel the chemistry between the H & h. I felt like Winter was more emotionally vested in the lovemaking than the h even towards the end. She seemed only to care about her own pleasure. All of the love scenes could have been done with more sensuality.
The first time they are intimate was a disaster. The h
I didn't care for the h for about 70% of the book, until the author decides to let the viewer in on the reasons for the h's actions. If the author had given us this insight to the h earlier on, I would have felt more emotion towards her, and the story would have had more of an emotional impact. Just my opinion.
Lastly, there could have been more development with secondary characters Lady Penelope, Louisa and Christopher. All three were interesting to me, and felt they would have added more to the conflict had the author delved into there stories more.
The book was entertaining, had potential to be great, but fell flat for me.
May 23, 2023
The Ghost of St. Giles walked so that Batman could soar…..
It’s up to Isabel, Lady Beckinhall, to tutor Winter Makepiece in the social arts so that he doesn't lose his position as his beloved orphanage's manager. Along the way Isabel tutors Winter in....other things *giggles* Winter and Isabel were everything! I love the reverse trope of the experienced woman teaching the inexperienced man. Isabel was such a cool heroine, she was kind, intelligent-she tried to hide it behind a frivolous mask, but she wasn't fooling Winter- independent, and she has a wicked sense of humor. I also love a heroine who enjoys looking good (jewels, makeup, etc.) and doesn't apologize for enjoying those things! She likes to look good! And that's ok! Yes, there's more to her than meets the eye but she also likes to accessorize. As a feminist who also enjoys makeup and THE DRIP, I have no choice but to stan. Enjoying "feminine" things is not a weakness! Winter was the stern hero of my dreams, he thought he had to martyr himself and close himself off from emotions because of his mission and Isabel lovingly shows him the light. This book was just too good. I also hope that Lady Penelope gets hit by a carriage at some point in this series :)
Winter and Isabel’s song(s):
The Joker and The Queen by Ed Sheeran ft. Taylor Swift
Us by James Bay ft Alicia Keys
Gonna start doing song/romance couple pairings 😭😂
It’s up to Isabel, Lady Beckinhall, to tutor Winter Makepiece in the social arts so that he doesn't lose his position as his beloved orphanage's manager. Along the way Isabel tutors Winter in....other things *giggles* Winter and Isabel were everything! I love the reverse trope of the experienced woman teaching the inexperienced man. Isabel was such a cool heroine, she was kind, intelligent-she tried to hide it behind a frivolous mask, but she wasn't fooling Winter- independent, and she has a wicked sense of humor. I also love a heroine who enjoys looking good (jewels, makeup, etc.) and doesn't apologize for enjoying those things! She likes to look good! And that's ok! Yes, there's more to her than meets the eye but she also likes to accessorize. As a feminist who also enjoys makeup and THE DRIP, I have no choice but to stan. Enjoying "feminine" things is not a weakness! Winter was the stern hero of my dreams, he thought he had to martyr himself and close himself off from emotions because of his mission and Isabel lovingly shows him the light. This book was just too good. I also hope that Lady Penelope gets hit by a carriage at some point in this series :)
Winter and Isabel’s song(s):
The Joker and The Queen by Ed Sheeran ft. Taylor Swift
Us by James Bay ft Alicia Keys
Gonna start doing song/romance couple pairings 😭😂
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